The following resolution was passed by the NCCC Board of Trustees on February 9, 2023.
In addition to the second allocation from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), NCCC has received a Supplemental Assistance for Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE) award. The SAIHE funds were awarded to institutions of Higher Education that serve a high percent of students with financial need and have experienced a declining enrollment. NCCC has some leeway in the methodology as to how the student grant dollars are to be given to current and future students to help with costs associated with adapting to the pandemic. These grant dollars do not factor into normal restrictions on Pell Grant maximums, either semester or lifetime, NJCAA rules (as they are open to all students), or other limitations. The money flows directly to the student, meaning that even if the student owes money to the college they will still get a grant if they qualify under the proposed methodology. The student can choose to use all or part of the money to pay their bill. Permission will be requested from students to use the money to pay their bill.
To qualify students must be eligible based on 7 categories of need (typically US citizen or eligible noncitizen, and who completed or could complete a FAFSA), and must be currently enrolled and a non-concurrent student. The college has until June 30, 2023 to expend these funds. The plan will allocate 100% of the direct grant received by NCCC within the time frame. Qualified students are being asked to complete a certification form.
It was necessary to once again revise the spending plan. The new revised plan calls for the qualified students to receive funds based on the number of credit hours enrolled during spring 2023 and future semesters. However, additional changes may be made in the process, amount or procedure in future semesters due to amended guidance or change in methodology by NCCC. Based on the total number of credit hours taken by qualified students, in April 2021 the amount was estimated to be $40 per credit hour taken. Beginning fall 2021 the revised amount was estimated to be $60 per credit hour taken. Beginning fall 2022 the revised amount was estimated to be $100 per credit hour taken. Beginning spring 2023 the revised amount is estimated to be $220 per credit hour taken. The next batch of checks should be mailed by the spring 2023 semester. A letter with the check will explain the reason for this grant and how, according to the federal government, the student should spend the funds.
The administration recommended that the Trustees award HEERF grant and SAIHE grant funds to qualifying students in the proposed method described above.
Resolution 2023-1 RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Neosho County Community College approved the revised HEERF and SAIHE Student Funds grant disbursement process.